Stewart-Cousins promises upstate will not be ignored under Democratic leadership

A potential power shift in the State Senate could have consequences in upstate New York.

State Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

Last week, a break-away faction of Democrats realigned with the mainstream party leadership in the Senate. And depending on the results of two special Senate elections on April 24th, Democrats could gain control of the house.

That has some upstaters concerned because downstate legislators would control both the Senate and Assembly, plus the Governor's mansion. But Senate Democratic leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins rejects such concerns. On the Capitol Pressroom heard on WBFO, Stewart-Cousins said Democrats are sensitive to the needs of all parts of the state.

"We are here, especially with what's happening at the federal level, to protect every place in New York economically, to continue to grow jobs and have a one state approach," Stewart-Cousins said.

Stewart-Cousins said Buffalo Democrat Tim Kennedy would play an important role in addressing upstate concerns if her party gains control of the Senate.